If one party semi-retires and takes a lump sum from their pension

[TeaandLemonDrizzle]

Hi,
Going through a long-drawn out divorce instigated by me as the marriage was dead. I hadn’t put a claim in for CM and have being paying all child costs myself (my solicitor wasn’t happy at all). Anyway, CM people have said he should be paying £500 a month. He is now saying he can’t afford this and has sent me a text to see if we can some to an amicable agreement. It turns out he has cashed in a lump sum from his pension and has taken semi- retirement. So, not only is his pension less than it was but also his monthly salary will be now less.

I am the bigger earner (but worked part time a few years) and 11 years younger.

Should the fact that his monthly income be now a lot less be a worry to me? Am I being stitched up? He is saying he should pay less CM but also will this mean I will get less (than before) in a settlement figure? I certainly won’t get to take semi-retirement at 60 especially if I need a mortgage. My job is more stressful than his. I worked hard whereas he didn’t. I think I am being stitched up.

If he has retired and has a lower income he will be sue to pay less maintenance. Also it’s likely his needs will be more and so your share of the marital assets will likely be less

You are younger, are higher earner, your argument to being disadvantaged by Maui age is not a strong one based on this.
you also have 11 years longer than him to build up your pension to catch his up

as previously stated you need legal
advice but are unlikely to get what you want which appears to be more assets, plus high share oh his oension

child maintenance will be based on monthly income and child access arrangements so if he earns less he’ll pay less